Meet the Money

Mr. Russert had led “Meet the Press,” the oldest continuous program on television, since 1991. Under Mr. Russert, “Meet the Press” had become a source of prestige for NBC as the premier place for newsmakers and political candidates to make their case to the nation. It also provided financial value for the network, generating tens of millions in profit every year.

And why not? Boeing, GE, ADM and ConocoPhillips are eager to get their message out to the elite audience. Just don’t expect the next anchor to ever question a Senator as to why the Department of Defense is spending more money than we’ve spent since World War II, even adjusting for inflation. That might piss off the advertisers.